Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla left the country on Wednesday afternoon for Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. She is representing His Majesty King Mswati III and the nation at the official service.
Accompanying the DPM is Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, where thousands of mourners and dignitaries from around the world are expected to gather.
Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, maintained a strong connection with African leaders, including King Mswati III. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the King shared a unique bond with the late pontiff, making Eswatini’s presence at the funeral a deeply personal and national gesture.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all members of the Catholic Church, both in the country and worldwide, on the passing of Pope Francis,” said Dladla before departure.
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